Texas now more pro-life

That old black magic was not woven well enough this time, as Gov. Rick Perry has survived pro-abortion voodoo and signed into law sweeping new abortion restrictions.

“Today, we celebrate the further cementing of the foundation on which the culture of life in Texas is built upon,” Perry told pro-life lawmakers and activists. “It is our responsibility and duty to give voice to the unborn individuals.”

The law restricts abortions to surgical centers and requires doctors who work at abortion clinics to have hospital admitting privileges. Only five of the 42 abortion clinics in Texas – the nation’s second-largest state – currently meet those new requirements. Clinics will have a year to either upgrade their facilities or shut down after the law takes effect in October.

The law also bans abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, based on the disputed notion that fetuses can feel pain at that point of development, and dictates when abortion-inducing drugs can be taken.

Gov. Perry made the abortion bill a priority, and called lawmakers back for a second special session after Democratic Sen. Wendy Davis staged a 12-hour filibuster to crush the bill.

The legislation, not surprisingly, was met with protests from demonstrators who surrounded the state capitol during the past weeks. Opponents in Texas, including Planned Parenthood, have made it known that they plan to challenge the law in court.

“When Governor Perry signed the bill, he signaled a clear break with Texas families,” Davis said.